Intent
At St Monica’s, our geography curriculum inspires children to explore, question, and understand the world around them. We want pupils to develop a strong sense of place — from their local community to the wider world — and to understand how people and environments are connected.
Our lessons help children build knowledge of locations, landscapes, and cultures, while learning how human and physical processes shape our planet. By the time they leave us, pupils can use maps confidently, think critically about global issues, and appreciate their role as responsible global citizens.
Implementation
Our geography curriculum is carefully sequenced so knowledge and skills build each year.
In Key Stage 1, pupils begin with their local area, the UK, and the wider British Isles, learning to recognise landmarks, use maps, and describe simple physical and human features.
In Lower Key Stage 2, children explore Europe — studying countries such as Greece and regions around the Mediterranean — and develop a deeper understanding of climate, land use, and culture.
By Upper Key Stage 2, pupils extend their learning globally, exploring topics like South America, Earthquakes and Volcanoes, and Cities of the UK.
Fieldwork, mapwork, and enquiry are central throughout. Children use atlases, digital maps, and first-hand observation to investigate patterns, compare places, and understand change.
We also connect geography across the curriculum — linking with science (climate, rocks, habitats), history (ancient and modern civilisations), and computing (digital mapping and research).
Impact
By the end of Year 6, pupils at St Monica’s:
- Understand where places are and how they are connected.
- Can describe and compare regions using accurate geographical language.
- Use maps, atlases, and digital tools confidently.
- Recognise how human and physical geography influence each other.
- Show curiosity, care, and respect for their environment.
We know our curriculum is working when pupils can talk about the world with confidence — connecting what they’ve learned locally, nationally, and globally, and showing the curiosity and understanding to keep exploring beyond primary school.